Today’s Card: Strenght (analysis courtesy of www.biddytarot.com)
Card Symbols
Strength is the first card in the second septenary. This septenary emphasises the forces placed upon man by his environment. The Strength archetype teaches you that you have the strength to tame the beasts within yourself. Meditating on this symbol can assist your process of honouring and experiencing the inherent strength that is within your nature.
The sign associated with this card is Leo, the lion, of course. The rune is Thurisaz.
The fact that Strength is a woman indicates that we are not talking about physical strength here, despite the colour. She has the infinity symbol above her head, the same symbol of the adept we saw in the Magician. Her white robe is that of the innocent Fool, indicating a purity of spirit. The blue mountain in the background is the same phallic symbol seen in the Lovers. The lion is a symbol of our animal passions and desires. Notice the lion has his tongue sticking out. Animals that are preparing to bite do not stick their tongues out. This lion is happy to submit to the woman. Her left arm represents mental effort, while the right arm represents physical effort. Notice the right arm is merely holding, while the left arm is exerting all the pressure. The crown on her head represents the fullest, most beautiful expression of nature and transient life.
This card represents strength, determination, and power in a manner similar to the Chariot. However, the differences are obvious at a glance. Instead of a powerful, focused warrior we encounter a gentle woman, unarmed and without the protection of armour. She overcomes the lion with a quiet strength which can only come from within. Where the Chariot represented outer strength and will, the card of Strength represents inner power, the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle. That the woman represents the spirit is manifest by her white robe, representing purity, and the symbol of eternity above her head. She wears a belt and crown of flowers and stands unprotected in an open green field. The Chariot indicates that worldly success is possible if our goals are pursued with focus and energy.
Card Meanings
You need to develop true strength. To do so, balance the aspects of you that are human, animal and divine. It may seem impossible, but love, kindness and a brave heart can bring them into balance.
This card means triumph of love over hate. Higher nature triumphs over material desire. The querent is learning to release fear and let it go. Ability to endure hardship.
Strength and courage will be applied to all endeavours. There is little to fear with your confidence. Results may be slow in coming, but you will hold your own, get a lot accomplished and summon up enough energy to do what it takes to get the job done, and in some way, you’ll be recognised or rewarded for your efforts. There will be altercations stemming from an imagined slight or unexpressed resentment. Want positive results in business or love, and to overcome the obstacles to the attainment of that goal. There are powerful spiritual forces at work and obstacles to your success will be overcome. You will be given the power to succeed.
Actions: showing strength; knowing you can endure; having a gallant spirit; feeling an unshakeable resolve; taking heart despite setbacks; having stamina; being patient/a rock; dealing calmly with frustration; accepting others; refusing to get angry; showing forbearance; being compassionate; giving others lots of space; achieving “soft” control; persuading; guiding indirectly; tempering force with benevolence; demonstrating the “strength” of love.
This is an important Karmic period, and actions taken during this time will be the seeds of your tomorrow. If you are feeling challenged, it’s because, you are harbouring a deep seated misunderstanding, mistrust, or resentment towards someone (perhaps even God), and you are being given the opportunity to resolve it once and for all. Remember, love conquers everything, even Karma.